Perhaps you've heard of runDisney, the disney marathon, maybe not. Anyway, Casa do Mickey organizes several racing events for its visitors, who want to compete in a world event without being professionals.
On this post
There are several different races and, some of them, go through the Disney parks. We will go into more detail about this below.
If you enjoy running and would love to attend such an event, then this article is for you. Here, you'll learn all about the marathon, when it will take place and how to participate. If you don't like it... well, maybe you'll cheer up after reading it all, right?
So let's go!
What is the Disney Marathon?
Disney organizes a series of races throughout the year.
Some are within their own parks. Others are anywhere, made just for people to exercise and practice.
During the year, the company publishes its racing calendar, with the dates and places where the events will be held.
If you're interested, you should take a look at the Disney Marathon calendar (we'll list upcoming events below) and prepare accordingly for your application.
The main events of the Disney Marathon are in the famous Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
This is a 4-day weekend with 4 major public-facing events held all Disney parks.
They are the following:
Walt Disney World 5K
This is a test for beginners, as it comprises a relatively short course of just 5 kilometers.
Despite being more for beginners, people of all ages and experiences can participate, without problems. It is a most recommended event for the family!
Walt Disney World 10K
As the name implies, this is a 10 kilometer race and is no longer suitable for everyone.
It is still relatively quiet, many participants run in costume, but more extensive training is required.
After all, it's 10 kilometers! It is ideal for those who already run and want to test their endurance.
Walt Disney World Half Marathon
This half marathon (21.1 kilometers) is already a little tougher than the others.
It is still lighter than the next item on the list, but it already asks for a little more determination and previous training to be able to complete the course without stopping with pain in the side of the abdomen.
Walt Disney World Marathon
Ok, here it is, the great Disney Marathon.
The route is huge (after all, a marathon requires 42.2 kilometers) and passes through the 4 Disney parks.
It is an extraordinary event and one that is, in a way, linked to Brazil. After all, Brazilians often win the race.
In 2019, for example, two Brazilians won the dispute: Fredison Costa in the male category, with a time of 2:18:45; and Giovanna Martins, in the female category, with time 2:45:24.
The curious thing: with that victory, Fredison won the race SEVEN times, while Giovanna won it on FOUR occasions (three in a row!).
Who knows, maybe you'll be there in 2020 to beat them and receive your medal? By the way, they are wonderful!
Other events
In addition to the races that are held at Disney, the company's marathon program features events held throughout the year in various places around the world (even on your gym treadmill!).
Check out some:
Virtual Series
The Virtual Series is a set of tests that you must do wherever possible: in your neighborhood, your city or even on your gym treadmill.
Ideally, complete the 5 kilometer course and then submit your journey time to the Disney website, which will give you a certificate proving your effort.
The idea is to encourage the practice of sports, of course, in addition to allowing you to train for the Disney Marathon tests.
This year, the event will celebrate 80 years of Marvel and will feature three themes: Captain Marvel, Iron Man and Black Panther.
Disneyland Paris Run Weekend
Just as there is the Disney weekend in Orlando, a similar event is taking place at Disneyland. Disneyland in Paris.
The difference: the French version of the event only has the 5 km, 10 km and Half Marathon events.
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
During the famous Food & Wine Festival at Epcot, Disney organizes 3 races: 5K, 10K and Half Marathon.
When is the Disney Marathon held?
Whew, how many proofs of runDisney, right? There are still other smaller events throughout the year, but these are the main ones within the Disney Marathon program.
But… when are these tests held? If you want to participate, when should you start training?
However, Disney has already announced the dates for the 2020 edition of the dispute: from January 8 to 12 next year. Mark it on your agenda!
Race Calendar for 2020 and 2021
Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these dates may have changed.
That way we will keep this post updated with the latest information released by Disney.
First, let's talk about the race calendar in Orlando:
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
- Dates: November 5th to 8th, 2020
- Registration: March 10, 2020
- Location: Walt Disney World in Orlando
- Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenges
RunDisney Virtual Series
- Dates: June to August 2020
- Registration: March 2020
- Location: Anywhere
- Races: 5K
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
- Dates: January 6-10, 2021
- Registration: April 7, 2020
- Location: Walt Disney World in Orlando
- Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon and Challenges
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
- Dates: February 18th to 21st, 2021
- Registration: June 9, 2020
- Location: Walt Disney World in Orlando
- Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenges
Star Wars Rival Run Weekend
- Dates: April 15-18, 2021
- Registration: July 14, 2020
- Location: Walt Disney World in Orlando
- Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenges
Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon
- Dates: January to March 2021
- Registration: July 14, 2020
- Location: Anywhere
- Racing: Half Marathon
Races in Disney France:
Disneyland Paris Princess Run
- Dates: May 8-10, 2020
- Registration: now available on here
- Local: Disneyland Paris
- Races: 5K, 8K and Children's Tests
Disneyland Paris Run Weekend
- Dates: September 24-27, 2020
- Registration: now available on here
- Location: Disneyland Paris
- Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenges
How to participate in runDisney?
Okay, that's all cool, you're excited, you're ready to run and be the champion of the Disney Marathon. It will run the 42.2 kilometers without blinking. The start of training for tomorrow has already been scheduled.
Is that all you need to participate? Train hard and show up there on the day?
Of course not? To participate in the marathon, you need to register and this is where things get difficult, as places tend to sell out within minutes.
Therefore, you need to keep an eye on the disney website to apply as soon as opportunities open.
In the calendar above we also include the registration dates for each race, so choose yours and check it out there!
Remembering that registrations have a cost:
- 5 kilometers: $87 dollars;
- 10 kilometers: $127 dollars;
- Half Marathon: $$188;
- Disney Marathon: $$190.
So, what did you think of runDisney? Did you get excited and are you going to start training to rock in 2020 or are you going to leave the competition to other people? Comment below!
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About the Author Carlos Braga:
Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.
My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.
During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!
